About Us

The mission of CaroMont Health is to provide exceptional care to the communities we serve.

Our independent healthcare system has earned national recognition by combining innovative medical breakthroughs with an exceptional level of care. With a vast network that includes physician practices, hospice, urgent care, hospital and emergency facilities, CaroMont Health offers convenient, compassionate healthcare for every stage of life. Our award-winning care is the result of a skilled, dedicated staff and our commitment to making your healthcare experience comfortable, transparent and positive.

Our Services

Expertise when and where you need it.

CaroMont Health’s expertise in a diverse range of medical specialties helps us care for you from head to toe. Our experienced team of doctors, nurses and clinicians is proud to provide innovative, comprehensive healthcare and wellness programs in Gaston County and the surrounding area.

Community Impact

We partner with you to build healthy, vibrant communities.

CaroMont Health has deep roots in the Gaston community. Since 1946, we’ve made it our mission to inspire healthy lifestyles and support wellness in the communities that surround us. We provide a variety of educational classes, preventative screenings, wellness initiatives and support groups to help good health flourish in your neighborhood.

Find a Location

News and Information

Doctor's advice: Take a walk sometime

12-10-2012

Some doctors prescribe pills. One Gaston doctor prescribes taking a walk
along the scenic South Fork Trail, located between Lowell and McAdenville.

Dr. Randall Gehle, a Navytrained physician who practices at CaroMont Family
Medicine in McAdenville, said recommending the trail to his patients is
part of his routine exercise orders. He said he’s urged more than
30 patients to take advantage of the trail and has received positive feedback
from those who have followed their doctor’s orders.

“It’s an opportunity for them to get out and get aerobic exercise
in a non-boring environment,” said Gehle, who lives in Belmont.
“I find that patients that mix outdoor approaches with other exercise
do a much better job of incorporating exercise into their lives on a daily
basis.”

The South Fork Trail runs along the banks of the South Fork of the Catawba
River. Running four miles round-trip, the trail snakes underneath the
Interstate 85 bridge near exit 23 and meanders through a quiet section
of woods along the river.

“In five minutes, you feel like you’ve gone to the mountains,”
Gehle said. “You’re walking along the stream, in the woods
and seeing animals — it’s a getaway in the middle of the town.”

The South Fork Trail is part of the Carolina Thread Trail, a two state,
15-county initiative — including Gaston, Cleveland, Lincoln and
York counties — to connect the region through a network of trails
and natural areas. Last month, the Carolina Thread Trail, commonly known
as The Thread, celebrated its fifth anniversary and marked its 100th mile
of public trail.

“Five years ago, our region’s leaders had a vision to create
a connected trail system to make our corner of the world a healthier,
greener and more attractive place to live, work and explore,” said
Ann Browning, project director for The Thread.

It’s even simpler for Gehle, who practices about a mile away from
the local trail.

“For me, it’s just a convenient local access to exercise that
I use for my patients,” he said. “I find it to be very peaceful
and wonderful resource.”

Getting outdoors to walk is chocked full of wonderful benefits, Gehle said.
In addition to helping you manage weight, reduce your risk or manage type
2 diabetes and lower blood pressure, it can also improve mood and help
with stress.

All you need is a comfortable pair of walking shoes. If you have any problems
with balance, take a walking stick. If you’re just getting started,
don’t try to walk an hour your first time out, Gehle recommends.
Instead, start slow, even if it’s only a few minutes a day, and
gradually increase the amount you walk over time.

The big thing Gehle stresses to his patients, and to folks in general,
is to get moving. In addition to the South Fork Trail and the several
other Thread trails in Gaston, Cleveland and Lincoln counties, he recommends
the trails out at Crowders Mountain State Park, the Gastonia Greenway,
which begins at Lineberger Park, and the U.S. National Whitewater Center
in Charlotte.

“They’re all very close and easy to get to options in our area
for outdoor activity,” he said.